ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses

The first step to manage symptoms is to receive a diagnosis. Find a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists or neurologists, family doctors) who is skilled in ADHD evaluations.

The expert will conduct an organized interview to review your past. They may want to see old report cards and speak with family members, teachers or classmates about childhood behavior.

Signs and symptoms

Children and adults who have symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often have trouble with paying close attention, listening attentively and following directions--things that come naturally to others. These symptoms can also cause problems with relationships and learning at school, at home and work. If you or your child exhibit these symptoms, speak to a GP. They're not able to definitively diagnose ADHD however, they can discuss your concerns with you and recommend specialists, if required.

A GP can help you determine if your symptoms are related to ADHD by asking questions, reviewing your medical and health records, and performing a physical exam. You can also discuss the history of your family's ADHD to aid in determining the cause. The GP can then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a psychiatric examination. The evaluation may include the description and scales of your symptoms, completed by you and your caregivers along with physical examination, laboratory tests, and a psychiatric examination.

Psychology and psychiatry can help diagnose ADHD among children and adolescents using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. They examine for hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity patterns that last for at least six months and determine if these symptoms affect your life, at home at work, or at school.

Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD however, the symptoms of ADHD will likely manifest differently as they get older. They can have a predominantly inattentive presentation of the disorder, a predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation or a combination of both.

If you meet the criteria for diagnosis and your symptoms are specific to adults, you may be prescribed medication. Psychostimulants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are typically prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs boost energy and alertness, while also improving concentration and focus. They are available as extended-release versions to reduce the risk of adverse effects. Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat the inattention presentation of ADHD in adults. These medications, like Wellbutrin and Effexor can affect neurotransmitters and can improve mood and concentration.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of ADHD can help you take control of the symptoms that could be affecting both your professional and personal lives. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologist or family doctors) can conduct a psychiatric assessment. To receive treatment for ADHD someone with a diagnosis based on symptoms (such as ADHD) must meet certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association.

During the ADHD evaluation, you will be asked questions about your child's behavior at home, in school as well as in social situations. They will also go over your child's developmental as well as medical and family history. They will then evaluate your child's behavior with the behavior of other children of similar age. They can employ standardized ratings scales to measure the frequency of certain behavioral problems, like inability to pay attention, forgetting about things and interrupting other people.

There are three presentations of ADHD - predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To be diagnosed with ADHD, your child must meet six of the nine symptoms that fall under either the inattentive or the hyperactive-impulsive categories. They must be present in at least two environments, make your child perform poorly and last for at least six months.

If your child doesn't meet all of the criteria to qualify for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD Your healthcare provider will assign them an unspecified ADHD. They might also decide that your child does not have a hyperactive-impulsive presentation of the condition and not give them an official ADHD diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric assessment may include neuropsychological and psychological tests, as well as computer-based cognitive tests. Your healthcare provider will also conduct a physical exam and examine your child's heart rate to determine if there are medical conditions like thyroid disorders or head injuries that can be a cause of ADHD symptoms. They can also ask teachers and parents for a thorough background and conduct an extensive interview with your child and your family. They'll also be looking into whether there is an ancestry of ADHD in the family, since it is highly inheritable.

Treatment

If a person has been diagnosed as having ADHD, they may need treatment with medication or behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy may include family and individual counseling, as well as group therapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. The first step to get treatment is to locate an expert in diagnosing ADHD who is covered by your insurance. Start by contacting your insurance company or the local mental health support group, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for the names of specialists in your area who specialize in ADHD. Some doctors use computer tests, such as continuous performances tests, to check for attention and impulse control problems. Other doctors use brain scans, for instance single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to search for any abnormalities. But experts agree that the most important element of an examination is a patient interview.

During an interview, the clinician will go over the symptoms that led to the appointment. The doctor may also ask for information from someone who knows the patient well, such as the spouse, sibling or parent. The doctor will also speak with nannies, teachers, coaches and other adults who spend a lot of time with the patient. This is a thorough process that could take an hour or more. The physician will then write a report and discuss the results of the exam with the patient.

It is essential to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD is based on the extent to that the symptoms affect the person's daily life. The symptoms must be significant in two important settings like at work and at home. The impairment must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a valid diagnosis of ADHD.

During the interview the clinician will discuss with the patient their medical and psychiatric histories and determine if they are in compliance with the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Assocation's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5. A valid diagnosis of ADHD requires at minimum three of the following five symptoms: difficulty paying attention to details, making careless errors, difficulty staying focused on tasks or other activities, and difficulty listening to someone's voice when they speak.

Prevention

Most people with inattentional ADHD symptoms don't get diagnosed. They aren't as disruptive or impulsive as people with hyperactive ADHD and are often ignored. Their issues can have serious consequences. They may not perform well in school, have conflicts with their classmates or struggle to find a job. These people also need to be treated with respect.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the official term used to describe the condition. The term ADD may still be occasionally used however it is not the most popular. The newer version recognizes that children can have symptoms of inattention.

While many of the symptoms are common to all instances, there are variations in the way that the disorder manifests itself between girls and boys. Girls and children assigned female at birth (AFAB) tend to show more inattentive symptoms, which are less noticeable, than the hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This increases the likelihood that they will go undiagnosed and receive less treatment.

A reliable diagnosis requires a thorough examination by a medical professional. This includes the clinical interview, medical history review, and a physical examination. It also involves reviewing reports by teachers, parents or other adults who know the person well as well as standard ratings scales that are used by loved ones and educators. These are helpful in determining if the symptoms are present to an extent that affects functioning.

A thorough examination is crucial to determine if the symptoms are caused by a different medical or mental illness, such as anxiety or depression. In some instances, treating other disorders can help alleviate or eliminate ADHD symptoms.

Anyone who are diagnosed with the disorder need be aware of potential adverse effects and treatments. They should also keep contact with their physician or nurse to make sure that the medications are working as they should.

The most common treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant medications more info which can help improve concentration and decrease impulsive behavior. Other treatments, like cognitive behavior therapy and parent training are very efficient for both adults and children with this condition too. It is important to remind people who are prescribed ADHD medication to see their doctors regularly, as some patients may need adjustments in dosages or other treatment options.